Marathon office releases official plane for 2011 race

  • Published
  • By Josh Aycock
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The Air Force Marathon office here recently announced the B-1B Lancer will be the official plane for the 2011 Air Force Marathon.

The B-1A was initially developed in the 1970s as a replacement for the B-52 Stratofortress. The B-1B followed in 1981 as an improved version with an increased payload of 75,000 pounds and for almost thirty years the B-1B has acted as the backbone of America's long-range bomber force. The B-1B holds almost 50 world records for speed, payload, range, and time of climb in its class.

"The B1 was the plane we featured in 2001, but the race was cancelled due to the tragic events of 9/11. We thought it would be a great tribute to those lost in 9/11 after 10 years, and the perfect plane to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Air Force Marathon," said Molly Louden, Air Force Marathon director. "It was important to us that we bring it back."

As the featured aircraft, the B-1B will be prominently displayed on all official Marathon gear, including the highly sought after finisher's medal racers receive after crossing the long 26.2-mile road to the finish line.

"The finisher's medals are some of the best that you will see at any race," Mrs. Louden said. "Not only do they look good but they are presented by the Air Force's senior leadership."

The 15th Annual Air Force Marathon, half marathon and 10K race will take place Sept. 17, 2011. The race will start and finish on the grounds of the National Museum of the United States Air Force. On the course, racers will get the full Air Force experience as they travel the grounds where modern flight was realized and where aviation is still being perfected today at Wright-Patt.

Last year's marathon sold out with a record-setting 12,000 registered runners, making advanced registration for this year's race a must. Runner registration will open on Jan. 1, 2011, and will be limited to 13,000 runners.

"We want everyone to register as early as possible to ensure they get into the race they plan on running," Mrs. Louden said. "We sold out last year and intend to do the same this year."

The Air Force Marathon is open to the public and is a Boston Qualifying race. For more information visit the website at www.usafmarathon.com.